DIMO Data Crowdsourcing

Broadband Map partners with DIMO to crowdsource data about the performance of cellular networks on roadways. Each year, thousands of members of the DIMO community drive millions and millions of miles while contributing to a dataset that assesses all three of the largest US networks (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon).

Explore DIMO Data

You can explore the data with the DIMO Coverage Map. Broadband Map aggregates DIMO's data into hexagons that are roughly 400 meters wide. In dense cities, hexagons may cover almost the entire map.

San Francisco Coverage Map Screenshot Showing DIMO data almost everywhere

In less populous areas, data concentrates along major roadways.

Leadville Coverage Map Screenshot Showing DIMO data along significant roadways

After selecting a specific hexagon, map users can dig deeper and visualize the underlying data.

Bar chart showing DIMO data assessing the signal strength of cell networks

A Better Model

The traditional approach to crowdsourcing data about cell networks isn't very respectful of user. Usually, code runs in the background of unrelated apps—e.g., games or note-taking apps—to measure the performance of cell networks. App users often don't realize they're involved in a data collection effort. DIMO takes a different approach—DIMO community members are actively rewarded for contributing data.

On-The-Ground Data

Broadband Map relies heavily on cell coverage estimates that network operators produce with statistical modeling. While these estimates are impressively comprehensive—accounting for coverage throughout the entire United States—they're not always accurate. DIMO's on-the-ground data perfectly complements the modeled estimates from network operators.